Site Work and Excavation Flashcards
7 cards from real General Contractor License practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Site Work and Excavation flashcards as text
What does the term 'cut and fill' refer to in site grading operations?
Answer: Excavating high areas and using that material to fill low areas to achieve desired grade
Cut and fill balances earthwork by excavating (cutting) elevated areas and using that soil to raise (fill) lower areas, minimizing the need to import or export material.
Which document specifies the required compaction percentage for engineered fill on a construction project?
Answer: Geotechnical (soils) report
The geotechnical or soils report prepared by a licensed engineer specifies required compaction percentages, typically expressed as a percentage of Modified Proctor density.
During excavation, encountering unexpected soft or unstable soil (unsuitable material) at subgrade requires the contractor to:
Answer: Over-excavate and replace with engineered fill or structural aggregate
Unsuitable material must be removed and replaced with approved engineered fill or crushed stone to provide stable bearing capacity for foundations.
What is 'underpinning' as it relates to excavation near existing structures?
Answer: Temporarily or permanently strengthening an existing foundation to support excavation next to it
Underpinning extends or strengthens an existing foundation so that nearby excavation does not undermine its bearing capacity or cause settlement.
What is the primary purpose of installing silt fencing around an excavation site?
Answer: To control sediment runoff and protect adjacent waterways from erosion
Silt fencing is an erosion and sediment control best management practice (BMP) required by stormwater permits to prevent disturbed soil from entering waterways.
A contractor discovers archaeological artifacts while excavating. What is the required immediate action?
Answer: Stop work, secure the area, and notify the appropriate authorities
Federal and state laws (including the National Historic Preservation Act) require stopping work and notifying authorities when suspected archaeological or cultural resources are discovered.
What is 'benching' as an alternative to sloping in trench excavation?
Answer: Cutting the trench wall into a series of horizontal steps or levels
Benching creates a series of horizontal steps in the trench wall to prevent soil from sliding into the excavation, and is allowed in certain soil types per OSHA standards.